Suburban Parent ND, November 2017

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NOVEMBER 2017 | FREE suburbanparent.com

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the everything health issue

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maryshares

Enjoying Autumn

N

ovember is a great month for families and friends to unite and celebrate thankfulness. Good things happen when we are grateful. Surely you have heard “Count Your Blessings.” But do you know that literally counting your blessings increases your emotional health? Clinical trials have shown that the practice of gratitude can have a dramatic and lasting effect in a person’s life. It can lower blood pressure, improve immune functions and help with more efficient sleep.

Now, that’s a blessing!

More blessings can come through relationships. I wanted to share with you a poem my father wrote 21 years ago about the time he spent with his first grandchild, Sara Jean! She shares his birthday month and has been a blessing to all of us. Happy Birthday to Dad and Sara!

GRANDFATHER’S TIME With time on my hands and no place to go I was able to babysit my Granddaughter who has such a loving glow.

We sat on the living room floor to learn 1,2,3,4.

At the age of one, I tried to make learning fun.

With flash cards and letters She learned each, one by one.

As time went by and she became two She was learning more and more while having fun too.

We played at times just for fun.

Jumping was fine, sometimes we would run.

Then a ride on the swing and down the slide She would get tired and we would go inside.

She was still with me when she became three, She had learned so much, I was filled with glee.

Then 1,2,3 - A,B,C her Mom and Dad had to take her from me.

No more learning on the living room floor, because my Granddaughter is now almost four and nursery school is the place to be.

Oh, how I wish she was still with me.

— by Sara’s Papa, 1996

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Mary Ellen Caldwell, RD, LD, CLT editor@suburbanparent.com

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christa Melnyk Hines Ashley Talmadge

CALENDAR EDITOR Paula Leonard

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MEET OUR COVER KID... ARIA, 4 ¾ YEARS Aria is a little girl with big dreams; she’s been working on her autograph hoping someone will ask for it someday. She enjoys tap, ballet, cheer, acting classes and all things Disney.

She’s looking forward to celebrating her 5th birthday on a Disney Cruise. She plans to be a famous vet when she grows up.

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Suburban Parent and Irving Parent are registered trademarks. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit all submissions due to space. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission is prohibited.

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shouldknow

live healthy Want healthy children?

Be a healthy role model.

Healthy Role Model = Healthy Children.

You don’t have to be perfect all the time, but you do want them to see you trying to eat right and exercise. It will show them that living a healthy lifestyle is important for everyone.

Keep a positive attitude and encourage good choices all around. Be healthy together. Invite them to help you with a new recipe or join you for a walk after dinner. Or both!

healing touch

Touch can ease pain, relieve stress and strengthen the immune system. Science says it even affects the brain as it can decrease anxiety and deepen bonds. As humans, we need to be touched. Kids especially.

So, it’s important to find ways to appropriately touch each other every day. Hug. Snuggle with a story. Rough house a little. And, hold hands.

It’s good for both of you.

silence Researchers say that children today are so used to constant noise that they’re actually uncomfortable without it. Too much noise, however, is not a good thing all the time, and we need to teach our children to appreciate silence now and then.

Silence is calming. It helps us recharge, think clearly, and get in touch with our thoughts and feelings. Find ways to bring more quiet time to your lives. Turn off the radio in the car once in a while. Set limits on screens. Or our favorite, create a quiet zone in your home. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

NATURE WALK Walking is good for you. Walking outdoors is really good for you. Walking outdoors with friends - even better. Studies show that taking group nature walks can lower depression and perceived stress and enhance mental health and well-being.

By combining the physical benefits of walking with the calming effects of being in nature plus the social support of being with friends, you’ve got the perfect, low risk, accessible and affordable form of exercise. With cooler temps and changing colors, now would be a great time to join (or form) an outdoor walking group. Not sure where to go? Visit parks in the area near you. And, really, any park will do.

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Kids and Water There’s something about being in or around water that’s simply relaxing.

Science says there are both biological and psychological reasons. Whatever the reason, water can calm fussy children (and grumpy parents too). So, draw a bath, take a dip in the pool or go play in the rain. Splashing water on the face has the biggest effect, but if getting completely submerged isn’t appealing, let the kids play with water in the sink. Add some plastic cups, bowls and spoons and see what they whip up. Could be a better attitude.

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questions

q&a Francine, mom of 2 Q. I loved dancing when I was a kid. I can’t wait for my daughter to take ballet lessons too! But, she’s only 2. I also have a son, age 5, and I would love to convince him that ballet is for boys too! How young is too young to start lessons?

A. Two year olds do a great job in ballet class! The curriculum for this age group, as well as other preschool children, should be based solely on gross motor skill development and coordination. And for your son, there are so many opportunities for boys in the ballet world. They are always in demand. Think college scholarships as well as jobs available for boys who become proficient in the art form. Science shows us that learning dance steps results in boosting memory and reasoning skills, and this can help your child in many aspects, especially with improving their learning skills.

Les Jordan | Executive and Artistic Director | North Central Ballet

Trisha, mom of 2 Q. Is it true that music lessons can “feed the brain” and impact a child’s brain architecture?

A. If you want your child to get better grades in school, consider music lessons.

It’s been proven in recent studies that children who are given exposure to music lessons at an early age have improved language development, test scores, brain connectivity and spatial intelligence. So, if you have a young child at home, get them involved in music! It doesn’t matter what instrument, or even if their lessons are for a short time. Ideally, begin music training before the age of 7, as it is proven to have the greatest effect on the brain’s anatomy. Suzuki based methods can take students as young as 3 years old, using a language based approach to learning.

Whatever method or instrument, give them music and feed their brain!

Zoe Schommer | Owner of RBR Muzik and Arts

Manny, son of an aging adult.

Q. My mother recently became ill and was told she had food poisoning. She eats very little several times a day from food in her own refrigerator. What causes this?

A. There are at least eight known pathogens that account for the majority of food poisoning outbreaks. Salmonella, Listeria, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, E. Coli, Toxoplasma gondii and Norovirus. Most everyone has some risk of contracting food poisoning, but some people are more vulnerable. This includes older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems and more. Remind your mom to keep a thermometer in her refrigerator at 40° F or below; clean up any food spills; cook to proper temps; and separate raw meats from ready to eat foods. And of course wash hands often!

Mary E. Caldwell, RDN | Registered and Licensed Dietitian

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MONICA

ASKS...

Q. I’m a mom with both kids away at college. I’d like to revisit my youth and start playing tennis again, but I’m a bit worried about past injuries coming back.

A. The most important things is to start slow and easy.

Sometimes as we get older our mind says “yes,” but our body says “give me a chance to catch up.” With tennis, equipment is commonly overlooked: finding the right grip size and string tension is key. Getting these wrong can cause tennis elbow. General strengthening of the muscles in our forearm and shoulders help build a good foundation.

Also, when we’re fatigued, we’re more likely to injure ourselves, so general fitness training such as walking, elliptical or light jogging is very beneficial. Working with a physical therapist or sports trainer can help guide you on an appropriate training and exercise regimen so you don’t injure yourself.

Dr. Robert Berry, Orthopedic Surgeon, Dallas Medical Center Orthopedic Urgent Care Clinic

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NOVEMBER 2017

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welovethis 1

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ROCK THE KIDS TABLE This three-piece Thanksgiving dinnerware set from Crate & Barrel is ideal for the kids who are ready to feast!

It’s dishwasher-safe and constructed of shatterproof melamine, so it’s sturdy enough to handle all of the bustling activity of the day. $15 at www.cratebarrel.com

1 Bedhead Pajamas

3 Drink Up

2 Turkey on the Table

4 Family Game

Be that family! Ditch the old t-shirt, leggings or boxers for comfy, cozy and cute PJ’s the whole family can curl up in! Make it a family tradition.

With pajamas, robes, and shorts for men, women, children, and even your pup. Yep, personalize a festive look this holiday season! Find them at www.bedheadpjs.com Pricing Varies.

We should know by now that gratitude is a learned behavior. And teaching our kids to express and display their gratitude helps them to appreciate all of life’s blessings. So enjoy this Turkey on the Table book and activity with your family. And with this, know that with your purchase 10 meals will be provided to someone in need. To date, over 435,000 meals have been donated by Turkey on the Table® through their partnership with Feeding America®. $39.99 at www.turkeyonthetable.com

A secret formula, made by the Branca family, with 27 flowers, herbs, roots, and plants — including aloe, rhubarb, and chamomile — this amber-brown liqueur is any host’s go-to end of meal or nightcap due to its soothing digestive properties. Stuffed after that huge meal? Fernet about it! $29 at www.liquorama.ne

While waiting for the Turkey, have some fun with your family and friends with this life size, block-stacking game by LumberStak. Set includes 48 giant, seasonal whitewood pieces piling up to 5 feet!

Be the life of the party with this awesome new craze in backyard games. $109 at www.DicksSportingGoods.com

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Enter for a chance to win these goodies at winthis@suburban parent.com

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NOVEMBER 2017

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bookshelf

healthy minds... through reading.

As we read words in books our minds awaken and are enlivened, nurtured and sustain the natural love of learning in people of all ages.

A Teen’s Guide to GUT HEALTH The Creative Family Manifesto

My Book of Beautiful OOPS!

God’s Great Love for You

Interested in making creativity an intentional part of everyday life? Well in this book, Amanda shows us that with simple tools (like your imagination), basic art supplies, household objects and natural material you can transform your family life!

This hands-on journal is designed to help young hands and minds turn an “oops” into art. Filled with folded, crumple, diecut, and lift-the-flap pages, the activities will challenge the reader’s sense of play and encourage healthy self-expression with the freedom to be creative and follow curiosity wherever it goes.

This book for our young ones, takes children on a whimsical and heartfelt journey as they explore God’s Love. The message from the tender and comforting text instills a deep spiritual understanding, that wherever you go, God’s unstoppable love goes with you.

The perfect book to end the day with your child.

Barney Saltzberg For Young Artists

Rick Warren For Children of all ages

Amanda Blake Soule For Families

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Dealing with health issues at any age can be a struggle, but for teens managing digestive disorders it can be an anxiety-riddled minefield. Symptoms of digestive disorders can be embarrassing, and finding the right diagnosis is often a challenge. Author, Rachel Meltzer Warren, explains how teens can find relief in the science-backed low-FODMAP diet. The first-line of defense for IBS and related ailments.

Rachel Meltzer Warren

teens + parents

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OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY Women’s Health Services Joan Bergstrom, MD, Dawnette Peppler, MD, Angela Watson, MD, Kiran Nangrani, DO, Sheri Puffer, MD, Joy Carter, MD, LaTasha Jarrett, MD

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Children’s Health - Children’s Medical Center of Dallas.....................Back Cover

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NOVEMBER 2017

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Engage in Healthy Conflict with Your Spouse

BY CHRISTA MELNYK HINES

Y

ou and your spouse may spend most of your days living side-by-side in peaceful harmony, but every couple comes to a crossroads at some point that sparks a confrontation. The key to a healthy, happy marriage isn’t whether or not you argue, but how you argue.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING Unleashing a litany of demands or criticisms on your spouse the minute he walks through the door is an example of what experts call a “harsh start-up.”

“Harsh start-up is something people can do that will immediately close down the openness in the relationship. It makes the argument less effective for providing resolution,” says Dr. Jill Thorne, a psychologist and marriage therapist. “Harsh start-up is one of the big mistakes that won’t set the tone well.”

Soften your tone and approach the discussion in a way that doesn’t feel like a guerrilla attack. That might mean postponing the discussion until after dinner when you and your spouse aren’t hungry, tired and in the midst of dinnertime chaos--a time when emotions may already be running high.

“Also avoid talking through a touchy

subject if other people are around or if you are rushing out the door getting ready to go somewhere with your little ones,” Thorne says.

LISTEN Refusing to acknowledge or validate your partner’s perspective can escalate the argument and spin it into a direction of extreme reactions and low blows. On the other hand, listening to your spouse with an open mind will help him feel heard.

“When we can put our own agenda on hold, the other person feels validated and understood, usually squelching the fight,” says Adrienne Dreher, professional family counselor.

Although conflict is scary, airing grievances in a non-abusive way helps us negotiate our needs and understand each other’s perspective. Often couples avoid conflict because they are naturally passive in how they communicate, feel insecure about how to assert their needs or feel intimidated by the other person. Other times, they dismiss an argument before a resolution has been reached.

“If there is not a resolution, they can start to feel resentful deep down and start to

Predictors of Divorce CRITICISM. Attributing negative personality traits to your partner. “You never help out around here. You are so selfish.”

DEFENSIVENESS. Self-protection in the form of righteous indignation or innocent victimhood. “It’s not my fault that we’re always broke. You’re the one who always spends all the money.”

CONTEMPT. Greatest predictor of divorce. Insults, name-calling, mockery and hostile body language like rolling your eyes and sneering.

STONEWALLING. Emotional withdrawal from the interaction.

Source: The Gottman Institute, www.gottman.com

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build distance emotionally,” Thorne says.

If you feel too overwhelmed and stressed to continue an emotionally-charged disagreement, tell your spouse that you need to take a break. But, agree on a time when you can come back to the discussion.

ARGUING IN FRONT OF KIDS Many couples strive to keep the peace around their kids, but experts say kids can learn from witnessing a healthy disagreement, as long as the issue isn’t too intimate in nature.

“For a lot of the everyday conflict areas for couples, it’s good and smart and healthy to allow the kids to see some of that,” Thorne says.

“Children learn mostly through social role modeling. They can learn how to discuss when they are feeling angry or hurt, which is important for their future relationships.”

If your child becomes frightened or upset by an argument between you and your spouse, stop and reassure her, says Thorne. You might say: “We’re just talking through something we don’t agree on.

It will be okay.”

Warmth and affection between you and your spouse following an argument shows your child that even when you have disagreed, you still care about each other.

REPAIR AND FORGIVE Make efforts to repair any emotional fall-out and forgive each other.

“Be able to apologize or say you are sorry in some sort of way, whether it’s saying ‘I want to hear what you are saying;’ ‘Let me say that again in a better way.’ ‘I know I was harsh about that when I first brought it up,’” says Karen Irick, LCSW, a marriage counselor.

Asking for a break during an argument is also a form of repair.

“One couple I knew had a ritual,” Irick says. “She would get really emotional and blow up. He was afraid to bring anything back up again. One of the things she would do was to go to him and touch his shoulder to signal: ‘I’m ready to calmly discuss this. And, we’re okay.’”

ENABLE THE AIR BAG When the foundation of your marriage is strong, disagreements aren’t as threatening to a partnership.

Show affection and offer small, yet thoughtful acts of kindness toward each other. Spend time together doing activities you both enjoy to avoid complacency and emotional distance. Date each other, flirt and remember what brought you together in the first place. Check in with each other during the day. Look for marriage retreats and other opportunities to re-connect with each other.

Finally, consult with a third party if you continue to rehash old disagreements or have trouble fighting fairly. A trained therapist can help you establish healthier communication patterns. SP

Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines, and her husband of 20 years are the parents of two boys. Christa is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life.

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NOVEMBER 2017

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BY AS H L E Y TA L M A D G E

A Prescription for Healthy Kids

K

ids love mud—it’s just a fact. Whether it’s the batter for fresh muffins, or the building material for mini dams and roadways, or just the satisfying squish between toes, a young child seems drawn to the stuff as if by design.

Parents, on the other hand, may be less enthusiastic about mud. For one thing—mud is dirty. But there are still plenty of good reasons to let your kids play in mud. The National Wildlife Federation’s report “The Dirt on Dirt: How Getting Dirty Outdoors Benefits Kids” states, “The things small children want to do outside, like building mud castles, splashing around in puddles and rolling down hills…may, in fact, be a grubby little prescription for health and happiness.” Here’s more on the benefits of getting muddy.

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preschool teacher, observes that a child’s “play in natural spaces is much more creative because of the lack of structure and the constant change with the seasons and weather.”

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS. Young children learn by engaging in hands-on activities with real objects. Put simply, children learn by getting their hands dirty. Unstructured play (that is, play initiated by the child and not led by an adult) is an important part of their education, and has been shown to promote cognitive growth and to positively influence social interactions. Yet today, a child’s schedule is often packed with hours of directed activities in school, sports, or aftercare programs. Free time is spent in front of one screen or another. There seems to be less and less time to “just muck about.” During unstructured play children plan, make decisions, and see the results on their own.

PHYSICAL HEALTH. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that early contact with some of the infectious microbes found in soil can result in a lower risk of heart disease later in life. Other studies have linked the over-use of sanitizers and sterilizing products to a higher incidence of allergies and autoimmune disorders. In addition, many experts have noted the connection between a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy body. “We have an epidemic of obesity in this country,” says pediatrician Dr. Bruce Birk. “All the best efforts to change diet are important, but secondary to the importance of regular physical activity, especially outdoors.”

CONNECTION WITH NATURE. Many experts agree that today’s children are quickly losing any connection to the natural world. Larson has seen her young students blossom as they follow raccoon tracks in the mud, and learn to recognize the trees that provide good rain shelter. She says, “I truly believe all that time spent digging in the dirt, playing on the dirt, sliding down the dirt, and sitting for snacks and stories in the dirt literally roots them to the earth…They begin to gain an understanding of the simplest and most complex parts of nature.”

MENTAL HEALTH. Look at a child’s face as she splashes in a muddy puddle, and you know she just feels good. Studies suggest that this feeling of well-being may result, at least in part, from a child’s contact with the soil. A bacterium found in dirt (M. vaccae) has actually been linked to increased levels of serotonin, a compound in the brain related to feelings of happiness. Physical play outdoors can also result in gains in independence and creativity. Chrissy Larson, an outdoor educator and

Today our children have more on their plates (often literally) than ever before. We tend to lead over-scheduled, yet sedentary lives. The CDC reports that obesity rates among our youth have tripled in the last 30 years. Pediatric use of antidepressants and medications for ADHD has skyrocketed. But it seems that playing in the dirt and mud, whether in the backyard or hiking along a creek bed, might be the perfect antidote. As Birk says, “There is nothing better or simpler than just going outside for unstructured play time in nature.”

Melanie Symms, mother of two active young boys, agrees. “My boys need to run around in fresh air, rain or shine,” she says. “It seems to help their behavior and general attitude.” Couldn’t your kids use a little mud medicine? SP

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NOVEMBER 2017

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timeout community calendar | november 2017

1 | WEDNESDAY

3 | FRIDAY

Día de los Muertos at the Arboretum

Fun on the Farm

6-8pm Celebrate the Day of the Dead with activities throughout the garden, including a face painting competition, a henna tattoo artist, a DJ and maskmaking. There will be food trucks and wine and beer for the adults to purchase.

Participants are welcome to bring picnics. Free with paid admission. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas 214-515-6615 www. dallasarboretum.org

2 | THURSDAY Stories and More!

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11am-12pm Make crafts, read a book, meet special friends and enjoy themed snacks. Ticket price includes admission to the Butterfly House and the Gardens.

Tickets start at $2. Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas www.txdg.org

10:30am-12pm Let’s Build a Scarecrow! Come help plow, plant, and water seeds in our children’s garden then make a scarecrow to keep watch over the crops. Children ages 2-5 learn about themes through a story and a unique activity, enjoy a fun craft project and have a wagon ride. Fee includes one parent and one child. Space is limited. Registration will close end of business day the Wed. before each program. Great for kids ages 2-5. $11 parent/ child ticket; $10 for members; $7 per additional child; $4 per additional adult. Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 W. 15th St. Plano, 972-881-0140 www.heritagefarmstead.org

4 | SATURDAY

Experience Dallas’ coolest holiday tradition with a festive stroll through the gardens and revel in The 12 Days of Christmas Exhibit, twelve breathtaking gazebos depicting each day in the beloved Christmas carol. Free with paid admission. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, 75218 214-5156615 www.dallasarboretum.org

5 | SUNDAY Visit Dallas Heritage Village 12-4pm Come with the whole family to explore Mexican, African American, Jewish and Irish-American cultures of North Texas. See the website for all the details. $10 adults; $8 seniors; $6 ages 4-12.

Dallas Heritage Village, 1515 S. Harwood St., Dallas www. dallasheritagevillage.org

Holiday at the Arboretum

Daily through 1/7. Presenting Holiday at the Arboretum featuring the return of the magnificent 12 Days of Christmas outdoor exhibit.

6 | MONDAY Play & Learn

11am- Playing is learning!

Toddlers explore and

17 O liv 4 o n N o veia m b er 2

Anyea 12 on Novembe r 15

M ia b e r 2 7 ovem 4 on N

UPLOAD YOUR BIRTHDAY KIDS PICTURE @ suburbanparent.com Submit by 10th of the month PRIOR to their birthday.

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POTATOES AU GRATIN

connect in this unstructured and imaginative playtime.

Parent/caregiver participation is required. Perfect of ages 18-36 months. Free. Haggard Library, 2501 Coit. Rd., Plano 972-769-4250 www. planolibrary.org

7 | TUESDAY Baby Time Storytime

10:30-11:00am Introduce babies to books and vital pre-reading skills with interactive story times. Rowlett Public Library, 5702 Rowlett Rd, Rowlett, Texas 972-412-6161 www.rowlett.com

Family Storytime

7pm Join us for family storytime at the Walnut Creek Branch Library. 3319 Edgewood Dr., Garland 972-205-2500 www. nmls.lib.tx.us

11 | SATURDAY Open House at Eldorado Montessori

10am-2pm. 11600 Teel Pkwy, Frisco 972-334-9444 www. eldoradomontessori.com. See ad in this issue.

Etsy Jingle Bash

10:30am-5pm Etsy Dallas’ Jingle Bash, a premier handmade shopping event and party, will showcase the very best in handmade apparel, bags, jewelry, home décor, accessories, art, pottery and more. Hand-picked artists, crafters and designers from near and far gather at the Jingle Bash for one-of-a-kind one-stop shopping. Kids and strollers are welcome. Admission is FREE. Food available for purchase. Eddie Dean’s Ranch 944 South Lamar St. Dallas www.etsydallas.com/ pagejb/

8 | WEDNESDAY First Chapter Book Club

4:30-5:30pm. Do your kids need something new to read? Each month, we’ll read aloud the first chapter of a new series and enjoy a project inspired by what we read. For ages 5 – 8. Free.

Children’s Program Room, Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive, Allen www.cityofallen.org

12 | SUNDAY Fall Tejano Festival

12-4pm This festival is Tejano to the bone! Featuring live Tejano music from some of the most popular Tejano bands. Free. $4 parking. Traders Village 2602 Mayfield Road, Grand Prairie www.tradersvillage.com

13 | MONDAY

Crazy 8s Math Club

Baby Steps Storytime

10 | FRIDAY

6:45pm Introduce your beginning walker to reading with books, rhymes, music, finger plays, and movement activities.

For children ages 12 - 24 months, must be accompanied by at least one parent. Richardson residents only, registration required. Call 972-744-4358 for more information. Richardson Public Library, 411 W. Arapaho Rd., Richardson www.cor.net

Admissions Preview at St. Philip’s School & Community Center

14 | TUESDAY

8am. For grades PK2-6th.

Additional previews are Dec 13 at 8am and Jan 9 at 5:30pm.

1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Dallas, 214-421-5221 ext 156, www. stphilips1600.com/admissions.

See ad in this issue.

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9 | THURSDAY 4:30-5:30pm Kids ages 3-5.

Learn math concepts using glow sticks, mazes, games and more! It’s crazy how much fun you can have with math! Rowlett Public Library, 5702 Rowlett Rd., Rowlett, Texas, 972-4126161 www.rowlett.com

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timeout coffee is Dec 12. RSVP 972596-6929 guthrieschool.com.

See ad in this issue.

15 | WEDNESDAY Fiddler on the Roof Jr. Audition Registration

Register by today and save 10%. Auditions are Dec 11 and 12. Ages 6-18. JCCDallas.org/ Fiddler. See ad in this issue.

16 | THURSDAY Lucky Duck Kids Club

11am-12pm Activities are geared to children ages 2-6, but all children and families are welcome. Come for craft activities, treats, and entertainment! Free. Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm, 970 Garden Park Dr., Allen, www.watterscreek.com

17 | FRIDAY Dallas Zoo Lights

5-9pm Dallas Zoo Lights will transform the Dallas Zoo into a winter wonderland with nearly 1 million twinkling lights that illuminate the night sky throughout the holiday season. Guests can stroll along a path that covers 25 acres within the Zoo, while enjoying an array of lightwrapped trees and hanging light displays. Open every FriSun, and select weeknights.

There will also be crafts and activities for the kids. Free with regular zoo admission.

Through Jan. 2. Dallas Zoo, 550 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas http://zoohoo. dallaszoo.com/2017/09/07/ introducing-dallas-zoolights-a-bright-new-holidaycelebration/

Annie at the Artisan

Annie is a Broadway musical based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie. Annie, who captures everyone’s heart, is determined to find the parent who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage. She

24

NOVEMBER 2017 Let our advertisers know you found them in Suburban Parent

finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Check website for show times and ticket prices. Artisan Theatre, 444 E. Pipeline Rd, Hurst, 817-2841200 www.artisanct.com

Frosty and Friends Puppet Show

The holidays are a perfect time to make friends, but the bustling elves, Barry, Surly and Zoe are too busy to even play in the snow! Fortunately Frosty meets a kind snowy owl and very friendly reindeer who are more than happy to spend the cold winter days with this warm soul. The magical world of Kathy Burks’ Theatre of Puppetry Arts comes to life in this spirited musical revue. Celebrate the joy of the season! Through 12/23. Great for ages 4 and up.

Various showtimes and ticket prices. Check the website for more information. Dallas Children’s Theater, Rosewood Center, 5938 Skillman, Dallas 214-978-0110 www.dct.org

Garland Symphony Orchestra presents Joaquin Melo

8-10pm The Garland Symphony Orchestra will continue with its fallperformance of our 2017-18 Season, Vienna, City of music! This performance will feature an appearance by a truly remarkable flutist, Joaquin Melo performing Mozart’s Flute Concerto No. 1 in G Major. Known for his mesmerizing, explosive and intelligent performances, it’s a performance you won’t want to miss! The concert will also feature Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D Major. Single tickets start at just $17.50 and can be purchased online or by calling 972-926-0611. Granville Arts Center, Brownlee Auditorium, 300 N 5th St., Garland www.garlandsymphony.org/november/

18 | SATURDAY Charlie Brown Christmas

Christmas time is here, and we’re fortunate that it brings Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy,

Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang to DCT! Charles Schulz’s classic animated television special comes to life.

The young and the young at heart will be tapping their toes and oohing and ahhing as the live combo band surrounds the audience in a magical, memorable holiday spectacle.

Make sure you’re front and center as Charlie Brown and his friends discover the real meaning of Christmas! Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Through Dec. 23. Check website for showtimes and ticket prices. Dallas Children’s Theater, Rosewood Center, 5938 Skillman, Dallas 214-978-0110 www.dct.org

Historic Downtown Grapevine!

This entertaining presentation will blend traditional favorites and contemporary sights and sounds to warm the heart and excite the soul, including more than one million lights. Live music and fireworks will also be included in the presentation. Family-friendly activities begin early at 5pm. Free.

Downtown Grapevine, Town Square Gazeb0, 325 S. Main St. Grapevine 800/457-6338 www.grapevinetexasusa.com/ christmas

Sensory Friendly Recital

5:30-10:30pm M-F, Sat-Sun 3-10pm. At Holiday Wonder, visitors will marvel at more than two million lights bringing to life holiday favorites in giant illuminated eye-catching displays, including stunning winterscapes, beautiful floating swans, perennial holiday favorites (including Santa Claus), and more. Guests will walk through a holiday wonderland that includes an enchanting snowflake corridor, playful polar bears and penguins, a 48-foot-tall Christmas tree, and more than a few holiday surprises. $20 general admission, $12 kids ages 3-12.

Leonhardt Lagoon at Fair Park,1318 S 2nd Ave, Dallas www.holidaywonder.com

4:30pm MindaMusic is hosting a Sensory Friendly Concert for people with special needs.

It will feature performances of the fine arts for those with disabilities who may not be able to sit still in a traditional concert venue. No need to sit still and be silent! While open to the public, special focus is given to audience members on the autism spectrum. If interested, contact Minda Malibiran at 352-800-9585 or mindamusicschool@yahoo.com Monica Park Christian Church, 2600 Broadway Blvd, Garland www.mindamusicstore.com/ sensoryfriendlyconcert

19 | SUNDAY Plano Christmas Market

12-4pm This fun event will showcase handmade holiday gift items made of fabric, wood, ceramic, and glass. Exhibitors will have jewelry and clothing for adults and children, along with candles and soaps. Fun for the whole family. See website for all the details.

Carpenter Park Recreation Center, 6701 Coit Road, Plano http://www.plano.gov/2396/ Plano-Christmas-Market

20 | MONDAY Carol of Lights

7pm Come see the illumination of the 30’ Christmas tree in

21 | TUESDAY Holiday Wonder

21st

22 | WEDNESDAY Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Surprise

6pm The live show encompasses the charming, colorful nature of the incredibly popular television series and features brandnew songs and life-size puppets that walk, talk, dance, and jump up and down to give audiences a unique, interactive theatrical experience from the moment the curtain opens. Tickets start at $29.75. For more information and tour dates, visit the website. Verizon Theatre, 1001 Performance Pl., Grand Prairie 972-854-5050 www.peppapigliveus.com Let our advertisers know you found them in Suburban Parent

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GIFTS GALO GIFTS GALORE GIFTSGGIFATLSOREGALOR GIFTS G F T I GALORE S GALORE 2017

holiday Gift Guide

timeout

23 | THURSDAY

your Christmas shopping and much more. Free. Historic Downtown McKinney 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney www.mckinneytexas.org

26 | SUNDAY Sensory-Friendly Santa Experiences

50th Annual Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot

GIFTS GALORE

call to advertise your product or service 972-887-7779

The YMCA celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Turkey Trot! A tradition since 1967, the Trot has taken over the Dallas area and provided a fun morning for families on Thanksgiving Day. Due to its popularity, the race has brought people in from all over the world. The Trot includes the choice of an eight-mile distance and a 5k Fun Run/Walk. Even if you’re not a runner, there are still fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Visit the website for more information and registration details. Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla St, Dallas 214-954-0500 ymcaturkeytrot@ ymcadallas.org. www.thetrot.org

24 | FRIDAY The Nutcracker at the Winspear

8pm Bring the family to watch the Texas Ballet Theater portray this holiday classic. Come with Clara to a dreamland of heroic battles and breathtaking beauty in a performance for all ages. Through 12/3. Check website for all showtimes and ticket prices. Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, 214-880-0202 www.attpac.org/on-sale/2017/ the-nutcracker-dallas/

25 | SATURDAY

Home for the Holidays

10am-8pm This Christmas celebration features non-stop family activities, entertainment, food galore, a chance to finish

26

NOVEMBER 2017 Let our advertisers know you found them in Suburban Parent

9-11:30am Santa welcomes children of all ages and abilities at several area shopping centers with partners at Autism Speaks and Gatepath. These programs allow children with all spectrums of special needs and their families to experience a timehonored holiday tradition in a muted, compassionate environment before public hours. Accommodations are made to lessen potential behavioral triggers, allowing many families to capture their very first photo memory ever with Santa. Reservations are free, with keepsake photo packages available for purchase during the event. Families are asked to register in advance to reserve a convenient time. Free.

Portait packages available for purchase. Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Pkwy., Dallas 972-702-7171 www. galleriadallas.com

27 | MONDAY Story Time Around the World

7pm Listen to stories and learn some basic vocabulary in several languages during these bilingual story times for all ages. No language skills needed. Davis Library, 7501-B Independence Pkwy., Plano, 972/208-8000 www. planolibrary.org

28 | TUESDAY Christmas in the Square

6-10pm Come visit the largest choreographed holiday lights and music show in North Texas as it returns for its 13th year. It’s full of established

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dec

21st Annual M.E.N.D. Christmas Candlelight Ceremony

7:30pm. Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death invites you to a ceremony honoring babies lost to miscarriage, still birth or infant death. Calvary Church, 4401 N Hwy 161, Irving. Reservations are requested using the online registration at www. mend.org. See ad in this issue.

Christmas on the Square

favorites and new surprises, including carriage rides and even an ice rink. Free.

Downtown Frisco Square, Frisco www.friscosquare.com

5:30-9:30pm. Meet Santa, make crafts and see the lights.

Plus GISD Choirs, Snow Hills and Ice Carving. Tree lighting is at 7pm. Downtown Square (Sixth and Main Streets), Garland. Christmasonthesquare. com. See ad in this issue.

29 | WEDNESDAY

DEC 8, 9, 10

Cowboys Plaza Party

4-7pm The Dallas Cowboys hosts a Cowboys Plaza Party the day before most home games this season at The Star on Tostitos Championship Plaza. Fans can enjoy a festive game weekend atmosphere featuring a live DJ, contests and giveaways, autographs from Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Dallas Cowboys alumni. Entertainment includes Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Dancers and inflatables. Free. The Star in Frisco, One Cowboys Way, Frisco 972-497-4800 www.thestarinfrisco.com/calendar

30 | THURSDAY Cookies and Coloring

3:30-5:30pm Coloring fun for all ages--oh, and cookies, too!

All materials (and cookies) provided. For more information, please call Youth Services at 972-744-4358 Basement Program Room, Richardson Public Library, 411 W. Arapaho Rd., Richardson www.cor.net

www.mistystagnonephotography.com www.facebook.com/mistystagnonephotography

The Nutcracker

Presented by Dallas Repertoire Ballet. 12/8 at 7:30pm; 12/9 at 2 and 7:30pm; 12/10 at 2pm. Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Dr, Richardson.

For tickets call 972-744-4650 or visit www.eisemanncenter. com. See ad in this issue.

DEC 9 Krakatuk: A Nutcracker Prequel

7pm. Presented by Youth Ballet of Texas. Another performance Dec 10, 2pm. McKinney Boyd High School. www.youthballetoftexas. org. See ad in this issue.

DEC 10 Christmas Carols from the Aspen Grove

Performances at 4pm and 7pm. An evening of music featuring a full symphony orchestra, the St. Andrew choirs and internationally renowned British a cappella group Voces8. St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Pkwy, Plano 972-3808001, standrewumc.org. See ad in this issue.

Please note: Although we strive to bring you the most current information available regarding event dates & times, confirming with the event venue before going is always a good idea.

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27

funstuff words of wisdom

Erma Bombeck

Find the 8 differences and email the answers to editor@suburbanparent.com for a chance to win a special gift.

www.rd.com/jokes/riddles

find the difference

Meet Dr. Frenchie!

Thanksgiving dinners take 18 hours to prepare. They are consumed in 12 minutes. Half-times take 12 minutes.

This is not coincidence.

You kidding me?

GOTTA

LOVE ‘EM A holiday tradition in our home is that after Thanksgiving dinner, the adults gather in the living room to chat and reminisce, while the children went into the family room to play.

However, our daughter, age 11, decided to stay with us adults. I asked her if she did not want to play with her cousins, and she replied; “No, I actually want to stay here to bridge the generation gap.”

— Abigail, mom of Therese

What has 13 hearts, but no other organs?

A deck of playing cards.

How do you turn soup into gold?

You add 24 Carrots,

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NOVEMBER 2017 Let our advertisers know you found them in Suburban Parent

wholesomeending

autumn fest

Date Plums

Turn your kitchen into your own home “Farm”acy with fresh vegetables and fruit!

Known to the ancient Greeks as the “fruit of the gods”. This fruit can be a bit tart; however, dried date plums are less tart and very sweet.

A good Date Plum ready to store at room temperature or eat will be yellow to orange in color, without bruises, cuts or abrasions. Benefits include natural antioxidants and excellent source of fiber, vitamins A and C, as well as manganese. Try chopping them and add some to your cereal or granola for a boost of sweetness and fiber.

That’s right; there are many nutrients in fruits and vegetables that can heal our bodies. Getcha some!

Bring home some Fall/Winter vegetables like Squash, Beets, Butternut Squash, Pumpkin, Spaghetti Squash, Sweet Potato, Kale, Pears, Parsnips and Cranberries. All these and more will give your family healing nutrients. Although many of these vegetables can stay in your fridge or pantry, you don’t want to purchase all of these at one time; first find some recipes or tips on how to prepare them.

healthy home Do you know your IAQ? It’s important to change your homes air filters regularly and have your IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) tested to make sure the air in your home is not contaminated. Poor air quality can aggravate allergies, trigger asthma attacks and give you and your family flu-like symptoms.

30

NOVEMBER 2017 Let our advertisers know you found them in Suburban Parent

tip Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning is common during the colder seasons; protect your family from this silent killer by installing or replacing Carbon Monoxide Detectors